Two words are synonymous with Corazon C. Aquino: democracy and prayer. She assumed power almost reluctantly because she never sought it. But when events pushed her to stage-center, she became the incandescent symbol of freedom and democracy.

At a time when her country needed her most, she became the catalyst for change against a well-entrenched dictatorship. She provided the centripetal force that brought us closer together, and inspired every man, woman and child to defy the bayonet in the name of freedom and national concord.

In power, she did all she could to give Filipinos a second vital act in their lives—the attainment of justice, peace and prosperity after the tribulations of martial law. She strove to fulfill the dreams of her husband—Sen. Benigno Aquino—who died for the Filipino in pursuit of liberty. Cory and Ninoy: what started as a love story in Tarlac and Manila became a struggle for the masa on the national stage.

A series of rightist attempts to seize power troubled her government. Her administration limped under the inherited mistakes of the previous regime. She rallied the people once more, using political will and prayer. Her faith was always strong: there is a higher God Who will guide a leader and Who will listen to a people in their hour of need. Prayers sustained Cory all her life. And Filipinos prayed with her.

In our hour of grief, we pray for President Aquino and her family. We pray for the nation. May the youth be forever inspired by her life—born to privilege but devoted to the people; educated in private schools but exulted in public life. She was more than a political force; she was a moral force. And by living a life of simplicity and uprightness, she became a Teacher in Chief, showing us that every person could make a difference with personal courage, conviction and character.